Somehow, against all the odds, Bristol Rovers have kept their slim play-off hopes alive with a tenacious 1-0 victory against a stubborn Oldham Athletic side.

After a dispiriting injury time double strike from Gillingham’s Cody McDonald saw Rovers slip to a 3-1 defeat on Friday, Darrell Clarke came out and said he was looking to use the final three matches as a chance to experiment.

And although he made four changes to his starting XI, some of which were enforced, the Gas still proved too strong for Oldham in the end as they stretched their unbeaten record at home to 12 matches.

Rovers are now unbeaten at the Memorial Stadium since a pair of embarrassing defeats before Christmas – losing to non-league Barrow and being beaten 5-1 by Charlton in the league.

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Their exceptional home record has kept Rovers just about in touch with sixth place, despite surprising defeats on the road to relegation threatened Gillingham and doomed Coventry City in recent weeks.

The performance against Oldham was far from perfect and Gasheads were left frustrated as they had to wait until deep into the second half for the breakthrough. But when it came, it was worth the wait.

Byron Moore’s cross skimmed across the Latics’ box and found its way to the feet of Ellis Harrison. The striker had toiled until that point as his efforts caused little threat to Oldham keeper Connor Ripley. But he collected the ball beautifully before turning just inside the 18-yard box and firing the ball home.

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It was his first goal since he scored four against Northampton, and his first since the departure of Matty Taylor. Rovers were wasteful in attack at times though, with Moore and Montano both blasting the ball wide when they should have at least made Ripley work.

Thankfully, a second goal was not needed due to a titanic defensive effort in the final 10 minutes. Rovers’ defensive record has improved immeasurably in recent months, with Monday’s clean sheet their fifth in the last nine matches. Since the transfer window closed, Rovers have conceded just 12 goals in 15 matches.

It’s no coincident that Rovers’ improved form at the back has coincided with the arrival of loan signings Joe Lumley and Ryan Sweeney. Both men have been immense since arriving and have shored up a defence that conceded 50 goals in 29 matches up until that point.

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Lumley was in superb form against Oldham with one save in particular catching the eye in the second half. With Rovers in the lead, Oldham besieged the home side’s penalty area and the ball fell to Lee Erwin who rifled a shot low towards goal which looked destined to make the net bulge.

But Lumley stood strong and saved the ball and cleared it from danger with his legs. A save that shows exactly why QPR are keen to keep the young keeper on their books. Sweeney meanwhile has struck up a steely partnership with captain Tom Lockyer.

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The two complement each other well, with Lockyer often brining the ball out of defence on the ground and surging into midfield, as Sweeney does the more bread and butter work, hacking the ball clear if needs be.

All of this defensive solidity will need to be on show next weekend for the trip to Peterborough if Rovers are to somehow keep their minuscule play-off hopes alive. It’s hard to see a glut of goals coming from this Rovers side, so it is vital they keep a clean sheet at London Road.

Skipper Tom Lockyer again helped his side to another clean sheet

Victory against Peterborough coupled with defeats to both Southend and Millwall next week would leave Rovers still in the hunt heading into the final weekend of the season.

Millwall travel to the Memorial Stadium on April 30 for what could be a winner takes all match. But even if that’s not to be the case, victories like this one against Oldham at least show Rovers now possess a real element of toughness at home.

It’s almost impossible to sustain a promotion challenge without a formidable home record – runaway leaders Sheffield United have won 16 from 22 at home this season. If Rovers can squeeze out victories at the Mem when they’re not playing at their best - and short of a few regular starters - it bodes well for next season.

There were undoubted bright spots in this victory - Harrison’s clinical finish, another clean sheet, Bob Harris and Joe Partington deputising well at full back. There was a slight end of season feel at times, a point assistant boss Marcus Stewart alluded to as he called the match “a little flat”, but overall it was a job well done.

Rovers can be pleased to have chalked up another victory, and in the process allow Gasheads to dream of a Wembley final for another week.